Thousands of Sheep Grazing Under Solar Panels Experienced Unexpected Changes That Could Reshape Farming
Solar panels, which help in getting renewable energy, are producing some more unexpected benefits. These benefits appear to be mainly impacting the sheep that are grazing in front of these panels, stated The Daily Galaxy. The positive effects were noted in a three-year study conducted at the Wellington Solar Farm in New South Wales, Australia.
Such studies back the use of agrivoltaics. Agrivoltaics basically involves agricultural activities with solar power generation. One of these agricultural activities is grazing. Currently grazing animals are typically not allowed around places where solar panels are fixed. The fear is that they could be negatively impacted. Even though the involvement of animals could remove the need for machines required to maintain the vegetation around the panels. This could bring down the overall maintenance cost and also incorporate an eco-friendly approach to the whole thing. This examination showcased that if pursued, the involvement of grazing animals could lead to a mutually beneficial relationship.
In this study, 1,700 merino sheep were observed over a certain time period. They were split into two groups. One group grazed on typical pastures while the other grazed on the land surrounded by solar panels. The objective was to understand if the presence of solar panels impacted the sheep in any way. The study was being conducted by Lightsourcebp, in partnership with EMM Consulting and Elders Rural Services.
The results showcased that the sheep grazing on ground with solar panels exhibited better growth rates as well as fiber strength compared to sheep on typical grounds, according to Farmingdale. Furthermore, the sheep linked to the solar panel ground did not also show any negative health effects. These findings indicated to experts that the solar panels somehow improved the health of sheep.
Experts think that the shade provided by the panels kept the subjects cool and reduced any possibility of heat stress, according to Renewable Affairs. Past examinations have showcased that heat stress can have an adverse effect on wool production. Furthermore, a cooler environment possibly increased the moisture in the soil, enhanced the grass quality, and also reduced dust, all of which gave the sheep a better growth environment.
Not only the sheep but also the farmers hosting these solar panels benefit from the system. The sheep act as natural lawnmowers and clear out the weeds around the panels. The operators also find it easier to monitor the panels without the obstruction presented by the overgrowths. Researchers believe that positive results in this study should encourage others to try out this system. However, they also warn others to do their own research before setting up such a system. Experts believe that such an infrastructure should be set up only if it aligns with local climates and farming needs of that particular location.
Another study that encourages agrivoltaics took place in France, according to The Daily Galaxy. In this case, 24 sheep were observed over two years. Here also the sheep enjoyed better health after beginning to graze on grounds with solar panels. “The thermal comfort of the animals is improved, and the availability of quality forage is increased, among other benefits,” Véronique Deiss, a researcher at the French National Institute for Agricultural Research, shared.